Industrial design is about building products and systems. But even more so, industrial design is about people. After all, this discipline is rooted in understanding the way people live and interact with their surroundings in order to create solutions that improve and enhance the human experience.

Given design's emphasis on people, we decided to explore the field by focusing on people too.

In a mere email exchange with WMU Art Education alumna September Buys (1999), it becomes instantly clear that she's passionate about her work. September's email sign-off, a quote from Bob Ross, says it all:

"You do your best work if you do a job that makes you happy."

With awards and accolades including
National Art Education Association (NAEA) National Middle Level Art Educator of the Year, Michigan Youth Arts Art Educator of the Year and Michigan Art Education Association Art Educator of the Year, September is no ordinary middle school art teacher.

Heading out into the "real world" after graduating college isn't a straightforward or particularly easy process for anyone. With major life choices to make, an aggressive job market to navigate and never-ending bills to pay, the transition can be tough. When you're in a competitive and not-always-steady industry like professional dance, you'll face another layer of challenges entirely.

WMU dance alumna Jacquelyn Nowicki, who will be returning to campus this fall as the Department of Dance's 2016 Distingusihed Alumi Award honoree, managed to make it through the world of professional dance with great success.

Since Graduating from WMU in 1997 with a Bachelors of Music degree in music composition and music theory, 2016 School of Music distinguished alumnus honoree Dennis DeSantis has gone on to do big things in electronic music.

It’s that time of year again. Classes have resumed, the leaves are starting to change color and sweatshirts are replacing beach towels. But while you were on summer break soaking up the rays and working a part-time job, not everyone left campus. Among those that remain on campus during the summer months are admissions counselors, academic advisors and deans in order to prepare for the new academic year come September.

As it turns out, they’re both key parts of Opera Grand Rapids' recent production of “The Student Prince.” Set in a Heidelberg biergarten, “The Student Prince” follows the tale of a torn prince who must decide between his obligation to marry Princess Margaret and his new love: a barmaid on his college campus.

About the Fine Print

The Official Blog of the WMU College of Fine Arts

Western Michigan University's College of Fine Arts is a place where passion meets practice, and The Fine Print is your lens into the lives of our students, faculty and community.

From behind-the-scenes looks at our performances and exhibits to tips and resources for prospective students, The Fine Print is rich with content that is both interesting and valuable. Subscribe below to read The Fine Print and stay in-the-know.

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